Poems, moral and descriptive By the late Richard Jago ... (Prepared for the press, and improved by the author, before his death.) To which is added, some account of the life and writings of Mr. Jago |
 |
|
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
|
|
| I. |
| I. |
| II. | SCENE II. |
| III. |
| II. |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| III. |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
|
| IV. |
|
 | Poems, moral and descriptive |  |
SCENE II.
RECITATIVE.
On the soft downy bank, damaskt with flow'rs,Reclin'd they sate, when Adam first of men
To first of women Eve thus smiling spake.
ADAM.
Sole partner, and sole part of all these joys,
Dearer thyself than all! needs must the Pow'r,
That made us, and, for us, this ample world,
Be infinitely good, and, of his good
As liberal, and free as infinite;
Who rais'd us from the dust, and plac'd us here,
229
From us no other service, than to keep
This one, this easy charge—Of all the Trees
In Paradise, that bear delicious fruit
So various, not to taste that only Tree
Of Knowledge, planted by the Tree of Life.
SONG.
“Then let us ever praise Him, and extol“His bounty, following our delightful task,
“To prune these growing plants, and tend these flow'rs,
“Which, were it toilsome, yet with thee were sweet.”
RECITATIVE.
EVE.O thou! for whom
And from whom I was form'd! Flesh of thy flesh!
And without whom am to no end! My guide,
And head! what thou hast said is just, and right:
For we indeed to Him all praises owe,
230
So much the happier lot, enjoying thee.
AFFETUOSO.
“That day I oft remember, when from sleep“I first awak'd, and found myself repos'd
“Under a shade of flow'rs, much wond'ring where,
“And what I was, whence thither brought, and how.
“Not distant far from thence, a murm'ring sound
“Of waters issued from a cave, and spread
“Into a liquid plain, then stood unmov'd
“Pure as th'expanse of Heav'n. I thither went,
“With unexperienc'd thought, and laid me down
“On the green bank to look into the clear,
“Smooth lake, that to me seem'd another sky.
“As I bent down to look, just opposite,
“A shape within the watry gleam appear'd,
“Bending to look on me. I started back,
“It started back. But pleas'd I soon return'd,
“Pleas'd it return'd as soon, with answ'ring looks
“Of sympathy, and love. There I had fix'd
“Mine eyes till now, and pin'd with vain desire,
231
“What there thou see'st, fair creature! is thyself.
“With thee it came, and goes. But follow me,
“And I will bring thee where no shadow stays
“Thy coming, and thy soft embraces—He!
“Whose image thou art—him thou shalt enjoy
“Inseparably thine, to him shalt bear
“Multitudes like thyself, and thence be call'd
“Mother of human race. What cou'd I do,
“But follow strait, invisibly thus led?
“Till I espied thee, fair, indeed, and tall,
“Under a platan. Yet methought less fair,
“Less winning soft, less amiably mild,
“Than that smooth watry image. Back I turn'd.
“Thou following cry'dst aloud;
AIR.
“Return, fair Eve!“Whom fly'st thou? whom thou fly'st, of him thou art,
“His flesh, his bone! To give thee being I lent
“Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart,
232
“Henceforth an individual solace dear.
“Part of my soul I seek thee, and thee claim
“My other half.” With that thy gentle hand
“Seiz'd mine; I yielded—and from that time see
“How beauty is excell'd by manly grace,
“And wisdom, which alone is truly fair.”
RECITATIVE.
So spake our gen'ral Mother, and with eyesOf conjugal affection, unreprov'd,
And meek surrender, half embracing lean'd
On our first Father. Half her swelling breast
Naked met his, under the flowing gold
Of her loose tresses hid. He, in delight
Both of her beauty, and submissive charms,
Smil'd with superior love, and press'd her lip
With kisses pure. Thus they in am'rous sport,
As well beseems fair couple, linkt as they,
In happy nuptial league, their minutes pass'd,
Crown'd with sublime delight. The loveliest pair
That ever yet in Love's embraces met:
233
His sons, the fairest of her daughters Eve!
CHORUS.
“Hail! Hymen's first, accomplish'd Pair!“Goodliest he of all his sons!
“Of her daughters she most fair!
“Goodliest he!
“She most fair!
“Goodliest he of all his sons!
“Of her daughters she most fair.
| Poems, moral and descriptive | |